Thanks to the integration of several noteworthy features such as autosave, spell check, AI-powered tools, and improved file recovery, Windows Notepad has become a pivotal productivity tool. While these new add-ons have made the app more user-friendly than ever before, they can occasionally cause it to gobble up unusually high CPU or memory resources. If you’ve noticed your PC slowing down, fans spinning faster, or Task Manager showing excessive resource usage by Notepad, there’s usually an underlying cause that you need to fix sooner rather than later. Follow along to try out the 9 tried-and-tested tips to fix Notepad’s high CPU and memory usage in Windows 11.
How to Fix Notepad High CPU and Memory Usage in Windows 11
Frankly speaking, the high CPU and memory usage by Notepad can result from several reasons, including –
- Corrupted files
- Large text documents
- Software bugs
- Outdated Windows builds
- Background processes
- Interfering with the app
To resolve the issue, I’m going to put a detailed spotlight on these culprits, explaining ways to flush them out.
1. Close Large or Corrupted Text Files
It’s worth pointing out that the Notepad app may consume excessive CPU and RAM when opening extremely large text files or files that contain corrupted formatting. Since the app continuously processes the content for features like autosave and search indexing, oversized documents can significantly increase resource usage.
- To begin, make sure to save your work if possible.
- Close the large text file currently open in Notepad.
- Reopen Notepad without loading any document.
- Open a smaller text file and monitor CPU usage.
- If the issue disappears, split the large file into smaller sections before editing.
2. Restart Notepad
Watch out for the temporary software glitches or background tasks that can sometimes cause Notepad to get stuck in a resource-intensive state. Restarting the application clears temporary memory usage and reloads all active processes.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Locate Notepad under the Processes tab.
- Right-click Notepad and select End task.
- Launch Notepad again from the Start menu.
- Check whether CPU and memory usage have returned to normal.
3. Disable Recently Introduced Features (If Applicable)
New Windows 11 versions have added features such as spell check, autocorrect, tabs, and AI-assisted capabilities. On certain systems, one or more of these features may increase background resource consumption.
- On your PC, head over to Notepad.
- Click the Settings icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Turn off features such as Spell Check, Autocorrect, or other optional enhancements.
- Close and reopen Notepad.
- Monitor Task Manager to see whether resource usage improves.
4. Repair the Notepad App
Bear in mind that the damaged application files can cause abnormal CPU spikes, memory leaks, or freezing. Windows includes a built-in repair feature that restores missing or corrupted app components without affecting your saved files.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Locate Notepad.
- Click the three-dot menu beside Notepad and choose Advanced options.
- Click Repair.
- Wait until Windows completes the repair process.
- Restart Notepad and check its performance.
5. Reset Notepad
No luck yet? If repairing doesn’t solve the issue, I’d recommend you reset Notepad, as it can let you remove damaged settings and cached app data that may be causing persistent high CPU or memory usage.
- Launch the Settings app on your PC.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Notepad and open Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset.
- Confirm the reset when prompted.
- Launch Notepad again and verify whether the problem is resolved.
6. Update Windows 11
Microsoft keeps coming back with well-optimized updates that fix bugs affecting built-in applications like Notepad. If the high resource usage started after a Windows update, a newer cumulative update may already contain the fix.
- Dive into the Settings app on your device > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
- Restart your computer after installation.
- Open Notepad and monitor its CPU and memory usage.
7. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Beware of the corrupted Windows system files since they can affect the behavior of built-in applications, including Notepad. Running SFC and DISM repairs damaged system components that may be responsible for abnormal resource consumption.
- Right-click the Start button > select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command and press Enter.
sfc /scannow
- Then, make sure to wait for the scan to finish.
- Then run the following commands one by one.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your computer after both scans complete.
- Check whether Notepad performs normally.
8. Reinstall Notepad
Keep in mind that if the app installation has become severely corrupted, reinstalling Notepad will help you replace all program files with fresh copies from Microsoft, eliminating software-related issues.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Notepad.
- Click the three-dot menu and select Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Notepad.
- Install the latest version.
- Launch the app and verify that resource usage is normal.
9. Perform a Clean Boot
It’s also important to mention that third-party startup applications or background services may conflict with Notepad, causing unusually high CPU or memory usage. But fret not! This is where a clean boot comes into play, as it lets you start Windows with only essential Microsoft services, making it easier to identify software conflicts.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type msconfig and press Enter.
- Open the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup applications.
- Restart your PC.
- Open Notepad and observe its resource usage.
- Re-enable startup items one by one to identify the conflicting application.
Wrapping up…
Too much CPU and memory usage in the Windows Notepad app is the sort of issue that you must address before long. Otherwise, it will trigger a number of frustrating problems, including overheating and sluggishness on your PC. Based on my personal experience, I must say that these solutions work reliably in resolving the problem and forcing the Notepad app to consume fewer resources. Feel free to shoot your thoughts about this guide and the tips that have come to your rescue.
